PECTINOLYTIC ENZYMES OF CLOSTRIDIUM-LOCHHEADII

A complex of pectinolytic enzymes produced by Clostridium lochheadii w as isolated from the bovine rumen. The enzymes were partially purified , characterized, and classified. The enzyme complex was found to conta in one enzyme with hydrolytic mode of action which was classified as a galacturonate digalacturonohydrolase (EC 3.2.1.82), and two enzymes w ith beta-elimination degradative activity, i.e., an oligo-(D-galactosi duronate) lyase (EC 4.2.2.6) with terminal mode of action, and an endo pectate lyase (EC 4.2.2.2) with endo-type of activity. The enzymes act ing by beta-elimination mechanism preferred pectin to sodium pectate a s a substrate.